I spent MANY YEARS feeling that frustration of being trapped in a vicious cycle of yo-yo dieting. I wanted more than anything to show my kids that “you can do anything you put your mind to” but deep down inside I was struggling to believe that myself. It had been decades since my “fit days” and at 5’2, 77lbs overweight let’s say I felt more than a little defeated. I could not believe I let myself get that far out of control again. You see, I did the same thing with my first pregnancy with my daughter. With her, I yo-yoed up to 187lbs and then down until I got pregnant with my son 5 1/2 years later in which I rocked up to 184lbs. Sure, I was pregnant and tried to use that as an excuse but honestly, I knew deep down inside gaining 77lbs from a pregnancy was excessive. After all, I gave birth to a 7lb baby. All I knew is I wanted to get healthy, but I didn’t know where to begin. The thought of losing all that weight seemed insurmountable even with my husband’s love and support.
I can still remember it like yesterday, the day I took control of my health. I had just finished eating a dozen wings feeling self-defeated when my kids began chanting humorously… “mama’s got a big ol’ butt”. You see I said those exact words mocking myself not realizing the example I was setting (or lack thereof). It wasn’t until I saw the Insanity infomercial that I decided to take a chance. From there my life was never the same. I followed the protocol for the program and the results continued to follow. No, it wasn’t that easy as a matter of fact it was very hard. Did I want to quit at times? ABSOLUTELY but it was too late, I had already changed my inner dialog. I started feeling good about myself mentally. Then the physical changes started to follow. I just keep feeding off that and monitored my self-talk and thoughts. I now realize that our behaviors are reflected by how we feel inside, which will be reflected on how we appear on the outside. When we feel good about ourselves, it shows. THAT was my ultimate goal—to feel better about myself on the inside so that my body and personae would reflect that confidence on the outside. So when someone asks me, HOW? I say start by changing your inner dialog. I now acknowledge the small accomplishments: the positive self-talk, getting my workout in, drinking Shakeology, eating more nutritionally balanced meals, and my behaviors and my body reflects that. I no longer need encouragement to continue exercising. I now find it easy to resist food temptations and have gained self-esteem—not because of the weight loss, but because I am managing my life and my body in a way that is honoring it—and my fit body that followed is but a side effect!
TODAY, I sweat to CELEBRATE this ONE BODY I was given. I don’t just exercise to “get ripped” and I don’t fuel my body with Shakeology and healthy foods just because it’s what I’m supposed to do to nourish my body. I do it because there is a deeper motivation, its to bring out the healthiest happiest version of me! So to anyone that is struggling, whatever you are going through right now, whatever storm you are in – acknowledge the fact that you possess the POWER, LOVE AND SELF-DISCIPLINE to take charge of your life and health at any moment!
Say it.
Challenge Accepted and GAME ON! COMMIT 100% to finding the healthiest version of you. Nothing complicated, just some fun challenging sweaty workouts and clean eating.
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What if I had IGNORED the infomercial for Insanity or the promo about Shakeology after the workout? What if I had told myself NO on the first morning I tried an Insanity workout? What if I said it looks too hard, I can’t do that? What if I had said NO?
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Donna Dodd (AKA “Diesel D”) is a highly acclaimed coach and fitness instructor who is ranked as one of the top At-Home Fitness Challenge providers